NMC Weekly Update - June 23rd

NEWS FROM THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE

Hafa adai, tirowami and greetings everyone!

Here are the highlighted articles of the week:

GOVERNOR FITIAL REQUESTS NMC TO CREATE TASKFORCE
Governor Benigno R. Fitial sent a letter to NMC requesting for the college to convene a task force of NMC faculty members to study the potential manufacture and use of biodiesel in the Commonwealth and to provide recommendations.

President Tony DeLeon Guerrero is pleased to report that an Alternative Energies Committee was formed on June 8 and convened its first meeting on that date. It’s members are: Mr. Glenn D. Keaton, AE Committee Chair; Mr. Danny O. Wyatt, Dean of Academic Programs and Services; Dr. Michael Reber, Director of the School of Education; Mr. David Attao, Director of CDI; and Mr. Lee Bowen, CREES.

The committee is currently researching the feasibility of manufacturing biodiesel in the CNMI, including its cost versus yield ratio and is in the process of gathering pertinent data and information. The committee is also actively researching the feasibility of other potential alternative energy sources for the CNMI, including solar, hydropower, and wind. The committee has contacted the CNMI branch of the Department of Energy as well as a representative of the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation. Representatives from both CUC and DOE attended the second meeting of the AE committee. The committee has also gained some assistance from a Renewable Energy Advisory Services representative.

Plans are currently underway to submit a comprehensive listing of the feasibility of potential alternative energy sources and renewable resources for the CNMI and its particular conditions. A preliminary report should be ready by July 31, 2006.


RECAP OF THE JUNE 15TH BOR MEETINGS

• Course Alpha Change- The board corrected an error in the previous policy that stated class 417. The actual class is 471.
• Reconsideration of ED 321 Course Fees- Course fees for this class was dropped at the request of the School of Ed.
• FY 2006 budget was passed as recommended by the BOR Fiscal and Legislative Committee and PBEC.
• The Board took action and directed the President to accept the invitation from Quanzhou Normal University in China. This is a student recruitment opportunity as well as a relationship builder between the two academic institutions.

The Board also started the formal process of its self-evaluation and they are in the process of working on the Presidents evaluation. The BOR Personnel committee will be meeting this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. to evaluate the President. This is a committee meeting and not a full board meeting.

Please be advised that the NMC full board will be meeting on June 29, which is the annual meeting of the board. At this meeting they will be electing new officers of the board and conduct other actions.


SBDC UPDATE ON WORKSHOPS
The NMC SBDC is in the midst of the 9th Annual June Small Business Development Month, held in conjunction with the Commonwealth Development Authority. Four workshops, "Essential Skills of Leadership," "Delegating," "Resolving Conflicts," and "Managing Complaints" are being delivered on all three islands. Promotion for these workshops has been strong as the newspapers, radio and television have supported the SBDC and CDA. On June 1st, a proclamation signing at the Governor's Office also took place with many in attendance.

The Rota and Tinian workshops have been concluded and attendance was strong with average attendance each of the four workshops in Rota at 20 participants and average attendance for each of the four workshops in Tinian at 12 participants. Many thanks to Severina Ogo and Jim Wedding for their help in promoting and coordinating the workshops on Rota and Tinian.

There are still two more workshops on Saipan and they will take place at the SBDC on Tuesday, June 27 (9-12 NOON - Resolving Conflicts) and Wednesday, June 28 (9-12 NOON - Managing Complaints). The cost to attend is only $20 per workshop. Following is a brief summary of the remaining workshops and the benefits participants will gain by attending:

The "Resolving Conflicts” workshop will help participants develop skills to identify the source of team member conflicts. Using effective communication and management techniques, participants can help individuals understand another point of view and move beyond the conflict. Throughout the workshop participants will review video presentations and case studies, participate in-group discussions, practice new skills, and receive immediate feedback. Participants leave with implementation tools and additional resources to help them apply the skills they have learned on the job.

In the “Managing Complaints” workshop participants will learn that leaders on the front line, managers and team leaders are often the first to hear team member complaints. And though sometimes they may seem unimportant, each complaint should be addressed and resolved. This module shows how to resolve simple complaints and identify the hidden agendas that so often underlie the chronic grievances.

To register or for more information, please contact SBDC at 235-1551.


FSA PRESENTS CHECK
Congratulations to Polly Omechelang, CNMI 4-H/Youth Development Program Leader for successfully closing the first ever Youth Loan approved by Farm Service Agency (FSA) for CNMI. Greg K. Arriola, who is an active member of the Saipan 4-H Mentoring Club, is the first recipient of this Youth Loan. The FSA representatives from Guam and the entire NMC community extend their sincere congratulations to Greg and his proud parents Pete and Marita J. Arriola of Dandan, Saipan.

The Youth Loan is a Pilot Project for the CNMI. Since it is a pilot project, FSA is extending two Youth Loans to eligible youths on Saipan, two on Tinian and two on Rota. For more information on Youth Loans, contact Polly at 234-5498, Ext. 1712.

L-R: Thomas Camacho, County Executive Director, USDA-FSA; Margarita D. Tudela, Acting Associate Director, NMC-CREES; Polly Omechelang, 4-H Extension Agent; Laurie F. Talbo, Farm Loan Officer, USDA-FSA; Gregory J. Arriola, Recipient of Youth Loan and Marita Arriola, Mr. Arriola’s Mother.

Our sincere appreciation to Ms. Laurie F. Talbo, Farm Loan Officer and Mr. Thomas Camacho, County Executive Director, for making time to come to Saipan to close the loan and for presenting the check. Thank you!


ENGLISH PLACEMENT TEST
The following is the schedule of NMC’s upcoming English Placement Tests:

Monday - June 26, 2006 - Room: A - 4 10:00-1:00pm
Wednesday - July 26, 2006 - Room: D - 1 1:00- 4:00pm
Thursday - July 27, 2006 - Room: D-1 5:30- 8:30pm
Monday - August 7, 2006 - Room: D-1 5:00-8:30pm

Please do not forget to bring a valid photo ID and pencils. There is a $25 fee for the English Placement Test that must be paid in advance at NMC’s Finance Office (M-F, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.). Students will not be admitted to the testing room without proof of payment - a receipt for either the placement test fee or the NMC application fee. (Note: This $25 fee is applicable to the NMC application for all students.)

If you have any questions, please call the Languages & Humanities Dept. at 234-5498, ext. 2000 or 2603.

Have a safe and wonderful weekend!

NMC Weekly Update - June 16th

NEWS FROM THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE




Hafa Adai, Tirowami and Greetings Everyone!

Here are the highlighted articles of the week:


PRESIDENT'S REPORT TO THE BOR AT THE JUNE 15TH MEETING

I. High School Visitation Promotion
a. During our April College Month celebration, ASNMC, in conjunction with Counseling Programs and the Office of Student Activities and Leadership, invited high school students from public and private schools to visit our campus. This visitation provided a good exposure about what NMC has to offer, orientation to our educational programs and services, and overall college campus life.

b. The Academic Programs and Services collaborated with the Admissions Office and Financial Aid Office to promote NMC at the local high schools on Saipan. Our NMC Tinian and NMC Rota also conducted their respective promotional visits.

II. Annual NMC-CREES Open House
a. As part of our College Month celebration, our Cooperative Research, Extension and Education Services (CREES) Program held an Open House on April 5th and was well-attended by local farmers, ranchers, and the general public. The annual event promotes greater public awareness on NMC’s role as a Land Grant institution and provides our CREES staff the opportunity to interact with local community members through their various program displays, exhibits and food demonstrations. The promotional event also garnered free publicity for our various programs and were featured in our local media.

III. Facilitation of Internal Meeting Forums
To ensure effective communication and understanding among internal NMC stakeholders on important BOR discussions and major institutional plans, our Leadership Team facilitated a series of internal meeting forums focused on the following agenda items:

1. New NMC Organizational Structure
2. New Tuition and Fees
3. Strategic Plan for 2006-2010 and the accompanying Institutional Assessment Plan
4. Follow-up on the internal efforts to address the Management Review Desk Audit (MRDA) action plan and recommendations
5. Status of our Self-Study Report
6. Plan on dealing with the budget cut for FY 2006

IV. Marianas-Japan Cultural and Educational Exchange Night
Our NMC students, faculty, staff and administrators hosted the “Marianas-Japan Educational Exchange Night” on May 12th. More than 450 Japanese students, teachers and administrators from the Seisa Group and Oshima High School attended the event. The exchange program promotes global education and international understanding between the Marianas and the country of Japan. The event also included the signing of a new “Sister-School Agreement” between the Seisa Group and Northern Marianas College.

V. 4th Annual NMC Foundation Open
As a climax event for the 2006 College Month celebration, our NMC Foundation hosted the 4th Annual Golf Tournament on April 22nd at the Laolao Bay Golf Course. The annual fundraising event was very successful and we exceeded the target number of golf players and the $50k revenue goal. The estimated net proceeds from the 4th Annual NMC Foundation Open was more than $60k.

VI. President’s Trip to Japan
My most recent trip to Japan had a two-fold purpose. The first part was to meet with Dr. Sogen Yamakawa, President of Shogen Junior College (SJC) in Nagoya. We signed a Memorandum of Agreement to promote academic ties and cultural exchange programs between SJC and NMC. The visit was mutually beneficial and the MOA will advance NMC’s efforts to promote educational partnerships and will expand opportunities for NMC and CNMI students to study abroad. SJC is interested to provide two full-scholarships to CNMI residents who want to study the Japanese language and culture.

The second part was to attend Koryo High School’s (KHS) 110th Anniversary Celebration in Hiroshima. We signed a Sister-School Agreement with KHS in February 2005 and they are interested in exploring other inter-institutional programs beyond the CDI English Language courses their students take in the summer. The round-trip airfare to Japan for President Deleon Guerrero was covered by Koryo High School.


VII. Ongoing Accreditation Self Study Activities
Our NMC Self Study Steering Committee (SSSC), comprised of internal stakeholders from across the college, has been guiding the institutional self study process through the activities of four subcommittees:

Standard I: Institutional Mission and Effectiveness
Standard II: Student Learning Programs and Services
Standard III: Resources
Standard IV: Leadership and Governance

The SSSC Chairperson, Dr. Debra Cabrera, has distributed an updated timeline for NMC’s 2006 Self Study. In addition to the above working committees, various internal meeting forums have been facilitated to promote greater dialogue and involvement among all NMC stakeholders. The final Self Study Report is expected to be completed in July 2006 and should be in the hands of the visiting team by August 1st. The comprehensive site visit for NMC is scheduled for October 16-19, 2006 and will be chaired by Dr. Guy Lease, Superintendent/President of Lake Tahoe Community College.


VIII. NMC’s 2006 Graduation Data

BS
Elementary Education 15

AA

Liberal Arts 52

AAS Business Administration
Accounting 3
Business Management 20
Computer Applications 4
Sales & Marketing 1

AAS
Criminal Justice 5
Hospitality Management 2

AS
Nursing 20

Certificate of Achievement
Accounting 1
Audio/Video Production 6
Business Management 1
Construction Trades 2
Electrical Installation & Maintenance 1

Certificate of Completion
Accounting 1
Computer Applications 1
Sales & Marketing 1
Related Services Technician 1

GED
18
Adult School
20

Grand Total:175

IX. Requests and Announcements
a. Letter of Request by Governor Fitial was received on May 24th for NMC to create a task force to study the potential manufacture and use of biodiesel in the CNMI. The task force is being lead by Dean Wyatt and a comprehensive report will include recommendations to consider other viable alternative energy resources.

b. The college administration met with Vicky Villagomez, CNMI CIP Coordinator, to develop NMC’s CIP Plan for possible funding from the federal government in FY 2008. The NMC CIP Plan is being lead by our Chief of Finance and Administrative Officer, Raaj Kurapati, and we expect to submit NMC’s CIP Plan to the Executive Branch by June 30th.

c. NMC will be sponsoring a Boardsmanship Training on July 13-15 and will be facilitated by David Wolf and Robert Henry from California. Our NMC Regents will be joined by Regents from Guam Community College and University of Guam. We are also inviting key NMC administrators to attend this upcoming Boardsmanship Training as part of our professional development opportunity.

DEMONSTRATIONAL AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) COURSES
CDI and UCEDD are pleased to announce the upcoming Demonstrational American Sign Language (ASL) Courses.

This is a two-part training program that is designed for persons with little or no prior knowledge of American Sign Language. The courses are taught by Roy Balantac Jr., ASL Instructor for Kapiolani Community College and President of the Aloha State Association of the Deaf.

Learn How To:
• Communicate with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing
• Communicate using a visual-gesture mode
• Use ASL to Communicate date and time concepts, numbers, finger spelling, greetings, expressions, occupations, and other language expressions as needed.

Who Should Attend?
• Anyone interested in Learning how to Communicate using ASL
• Parents/Family members of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing
• Service Providers, Public Agencies, Private Agencies, Etc.

When do the Courses Start?
Part I: ASL I
June 19 to July 7
3:00-5:00 p.m.
Mon/Wed/Fri
at Oleai Elementary School

Part 2: ASL II
July 10 to July 28
3:00-5:00 p.m.
Mon/Wed/Fri
at Northern Marianas College

These ASL courses are subsidized by UCEDD and are FREE! Seating is limited to 20 participants per course, so register today! To register, or for more information, contact CDI or UCEDD at 234-5498, extension 1010 or stop by their offices in building P.

Demonstrational American Sign Language (ASL) Courses sponsored by NMC-UCEDD (University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities)

Have a Safe and Wonderful Weekend!

NMC Weekly Update - June 9th

NEWS FROM THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE

Hafa Adai, Tirowami and Greetings Everyone!

Here are the highlighted articles of the week:

NOMINATIONS FOR STAFF SENATE
Lorraine T. Cabrera, Staff Senate President, is soliciting nominations for Senate candidates. Senate President Cabrera sent out an email notice today since June 5, 2006. Please forward all nominations in writing to the Staff Senate Secretary, Ms. Loly Kingzio. You can find her office in Building K. Nominations will officially close on June 12, 2006 at 5:00 pm.

Please take the time to nominate individuals from your Division and make sure that these individuals are willing to serve.

Senate President Cabrera, on behalf of her senate members, expressed her sincerest appreciation to the NMC community for the support and confidence placed on them for the last two years. They truly have enjoyed serving each and every one of us.

20% OF PSS TEACHERS AND 33% OF PSS TEACHER AIDES ARE NMC GRADUATES
An analysis of school year 2005-2006 personnel data from the CNMI Public School System (PSS) shows that a significant number of NMC graduates are currently employed as Classroom Teaches and Teachers Aides. According to this data, during the 2005/2006 school year nearly 20% of all Classroom Teachers and 33% of all Teachers Aides were NMC graduates. In addition, of these NMC graduates employed by PSS, 53% were School of Education bachelor’s graduates. This demonstrates that NMC has been making a significant contribution to the CNMI in the form of trained educators for the children and youth of the Commonwealth.

SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
The training representative and the participants of the Summer Youth Employment Program from Workforce Investment Agency (WIA) will be on campus on Monday, June 12, 2006.

WIA participants will meet at the Career Center on Monday, June 12, 2006 at 8:00 a.m. for a short orientation. Participants will then be directed to their departmental area after the orientation. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Margarita Prater via email to margaritap@nmcnet.edy or call her at 234-5498, extension 1349.

NMC AD HOC COMMITTEE FORMED TO PREPARE VIABILITY REPORT ON BIOFUELS IN THE CNMI
An Ad Hoc Committee on Alternative Fuels was formed at the direction of the president following a request by Governor Fitial for the college to examine the viability of biofuels in the CNMI. The first meeting was held on Thursday in the Board of Regent Conference Room attended by Dr. Michael Reber, Lee Bowen, Dave Attao, Danny Wyatt and chaired by Glenn Keaton. They expect to meet weekly at 1:30 on Thursdays if others are interested in participating.

Initial topics included biofuel, solar power, wind power and plasma technology. The governor has given the college 60 days to come up with a report and the committee is expecting to give a series of options in their report. The committee encourages anyone who is interested in this topic to either show up for the weekly meeting, or contact Glenn Keaton at 234-5498, extension 1200, for more information.


SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS FROM CDI
Project LIFE (Lead Into Future Experiences) provides CNMI youth with exciting leadership training to develop them into lifelong learners and leaders in today’s multicultural society. Students will build self-confidence, develop a personal leadership philosophy, enhance career opportunity awareness, and create a pathway for lifelong personal development.

3rd Annual Project LIFE
July 5-July 28, 2006, 8:00 am-12:00 pm – NMC Campus, $75/student (Ages 12 to 14)
Regular fee: $150. Available for $75 by a generous tuition subsidy donation by DFS Saipan Limited. Special thanks to DFS Saipan Limited for its generous donation!

To register or for more information, contact CDI at 234-5498, extensions 1005, 1030, 1010 or CREES 4-H at 234-5498, extension 1712. Register by June 23.

Funding to support Project LIFE is made possible by DFS Saipan Limited. Project LIFE is presented by Northern Marianas College’s COMPASS Unit Community Development Institute, CREES 4-H and the Small Business Development Center.

Passport to College
June 26 - July 21, 2006 - NMC Campus, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Ages 15 to 17, Tuition: $200 - 4-week developmental program designed to assist high school students in their pursuit of a college or university degree.

Topics Include College Life Skills (Application/Registration; Financial Aid; Counseling Services; Student Activities; Study Skills), Career Planning (Career Exploration; Career Center; Resume Writing; Letters of Application; Interview Techniques), College Prep English (Vocabulary Development; Writing Structures; Grammar/Reading; Essay Mechanics; Presentation Fundamentals) and College Prep Math (Algebra Fundamentals; Geometry; Critical Thinking; Reasoning; Calculator Functions).

To register, or for more information, contact CDI at 234-5498 extensions 1019, 1005, 1030 or send an email to richardp@nmcnet.edu .

Have a Safe and Wonderful Weekend!

NMC Weekly Update - June 5th

NEWS FROM THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE




Hafa Adai, Tirowami and Greetings Everyone!

Here are the highlighted articles of the week:

UPWARD BOUND STUDENT SELECTED TO ATTEND 2006 EMBRY RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY MATH & SCIENCE SUMMER PROGRAM
Richille Denora, an Upward Bound student and a sophomore at Saipan Southern High School, is selected to attend the 2006 Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Math & Science Summer Program from June 17, 2006 to July 27, 2006. Participants will experience college residential, attend career awareness seminars, and take classes in English, Mathematics, Science, Computer Science, and Foreign Language. In addition, participants will partake in a math or science related research project supervised by Embry Riddle Aeronautical University faculty.

Richille is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Renante Denora of Fina Sisu. Richille likes to challenge her leadership skills by joining National Honor Society, National Forensic League, International Thespian Society, and JROTC at her high school. Richille loves to experience new things and challenges. Richille is very much involved in helping her community by teaching, tutoring, and singing at her church. “I do all these, but I especially try to focus my love and attention on my friends and family.” For leisure, Richille likes to write poetry and prose, read interesting books, sing, and act. Richille plans to get a degree in nursing and travel around the world and help others.

“At first, I couldn’t believe it because I knew I wasn’t the only one who applied. I was so happy and excited”, she replied, when she received a letter from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University informing her that she was selected. “I think this program will help me open up more to the opportunities out there and help me get ready for college, be independent, and have a great new experience. In addition, I am convinced that college is important.”

Richille is a participant of the Northern Marianas College Upward Bound Program, a Federal TRIO program tasked with the responsibility to prepare and motivate qualified high school students for post secondary education.

“Congratulations Richille” from the entire NMC Community!

UPWARD BOUND PROGRAM STUDENTS SELECTED TO ATTEND 2006 MONTEREY PENINSULA COLLEGE MATH & SCIENCE SUMMER PROGRAM
Two Upward Bound students, Daisy Rojo, Junior at Marianas High School, and Jolyn Caoleng, Junior at Saipan Southern High School, were selected to attend the four-week Math & Science Summer Program Level I program, an introductory math and science skills focusing on marine science at Monterey Peninsula College. The 2006 summer program will be held from June 30, 2006 to July 30, 2006. The four-week summer program is offered in a residential setting on the beautiful campus of the University of California at Santa Cruz. Participants will experience living in a college environment, immersed in a math and science study program with other participants who have goals similar to theirs. In addition, they will enroll in courses in marine biology, mathematics, communication (oral and written), and college orientation and personal development. They will also participate in laboratory and field activities that emphasize skill development in note taking, quantification, observation and description, graphing, independent and group research, experimental techniques, and oral reporting. Workshops, guest speakers, counseling, and enrichment activities will be conducted to enhance learning.

Daisy is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Romeo Rojo of San Jose, Saipan. On her spare time, Daisy likes writing poems, playing volleyball and basketball, and surfing the Internet. When asked how does she feel of being selected to participate in this year’s Monterey Peninsula College Math & Science Summer Program, she replied, “I was extremely happy and excited. I kept jumping up and down during a volleyball practice in sheer excitement.” When asked how will the summer program help her, she responded, “I’m hoping to gain a wider range of knowledge on both my science and mathematics skills. In addition, I hope to develop more confidence and independence within myself.”

Daisy plans to join the military and pursue a career in Computer Science or Nursing. “After college, I plan to comeback and help my community in whatever profession I attain.”

Jolyn Caoleng is under the guardianship of Raul and Vanessa Blanca of Koblerville, Saipan. For her extra-curricular activities, Jolyn volunteers at Joeten-Kiyu Public Library and enjoys reading a great novel. Jolyn plans to major in Dentistry in college and hopefully make a lifetime career as an Orthodontist. “When I attain my college degree, I will be proud of myself for reaching a goal and being the first in the family to finish college.”

When asked about being selected to attend Monterey Peninsula College Summer Upward Bound Program (MSUB), Jolyn replied, “When I first heard that I got accepted, I did not believe it. I did not take my acceptance seriously because I did not have proof that I was accepted. Yes, I am excited to go and earn college credits especially to meet students who share the same interest I have.” When asked how will the summer program help her, she responded, “Attending the MSUB program this summer will allow me to view a wider selection of career choices in the science field. I will also have a chance to share my knowledge in science and mathematics with other students attending the program. More importantly, the program will help me expand my knowledge in science and mathematics.”

Daisy and Jolyn are participants of the Upward Bound Program at Northern Marianas College, a federally funded TRIO program, tasked to motivate disadvantaged high school students to pursue a college education.

“Congratulations and best wishes Daisy and Jolyn!”

ACTING GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS THE MONTH OF JUNE AS SMALL BUSINESS MONTH
The Acting Governor Timothy Villagomez signed a proclamation on Thursday, June 1st, at 11:00 a.m. This proclamation declares June 2006 as the 9th Annual Small Business Development Month here in the CNMI. The proclamation recognizes the NMC Small Business Development Center and the Commonwealth Development Authority (CDA) for their efforts in assisting and promoting small business and economic development in the CNMI. NMC will also promote the workshops that the SBDC/CDA will be conducting on Saipan, Rota and Tinian during the month of June including Essential Skills of Leadership, Delegating, Managing Complaints and Dealing with Conflict.

If you have any questions about the workshops (which start this week) or you would like to sign up to attend, please contact the SBDC at 235-1551.

NMC TO HOST ECO ADVENTURE ON ROTA
The Northern Marianas College School of Education and NMC Rota, in cooperation with the Community Development Institute, are hosting the first Rota Eco-Education Summer Camp from July 24th through July 28th. The recreational and environmental component is being coordinated by the NOAA Coral Reef Management Fellow, at the Department of Environmental Quality in Rota.

With tourism and development encroaching on the otherwise pristine environment, there is a need for increased ecological awareness among CNMI youth. The purpose of the summer camp is for middle school students to gain an understanding and appreciation of local natural resource conservation issues. The Camp will serve as a Northern Marianas College Pilot Project with potential to evolve into an eco-tourism venture.

Students will experientially learn about Coral Reef and Wildlife Conservation, Watershed Issues, Savannah Lands Ecology, Human Impacts on the Environment, and Strategies to Conserve Rota’s Natural Resources. The outdoor “hands on” learning stations are scattered around the idyllic island including Sasanhaya Bay Fish Reserve, Wedding Cake Mountain, and the Bird Sanctuary. On the evening of the 27th, there will be an overnight camp-out, BBQ, and stargazing event on Mt. Sabana. The week will be a fun-filled learning experience for the students, who for some will be their first time snorkeling and kayaking!

NMC thanks their partner agencies on Rota whose expert staff will lead the learning station activities. This initiative would not be possible without the involvement of representatives from: Rota Mayor’s Office, Rota High School, Rota Junior School, NMC CREES, NMC Natural Resource Management Program, NOAA/NMC Hutchuman Project, Luta Marine Center, Rota Municipal Council, Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Coastal Resource Management Office, Department of Public Safety, and the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.

Interested middle school students should enroll now as space is limited to 40 students. Applications are available at NMC’s Rota Administration Office. For more information, please contact the NMC Rota Director, Severina Ogo at 532-9477 or the NOAA Coral Fellow, Lihla Noori at 532-3102.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR RECYCLING CAMPAIGN
The Division of Environmental Quality is looking for wonderful volunteers to assist with their recycling campaign during the Liberation Day Carnival, June 2 through July 9, 7 days/week, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. ANY TIME YOU CAN GIVE CAN BE WORKED INTO THE SCHEDULE.

Where: Liberation Day Carnival Grounds (Fishing Base, Garapan). What You'll Do: Encourage people to recycle paper, plastic, cans and glass in proper bins at the Recycling Station. Monitor the bins to be sure the correct materials are put in the proper containers (they will be clearly labeled). Who to Contact to Volunteer Your Time or for More Information: TINA SABLAN, DEQ, 664-8545 (direct line, but no voice mail) or 664-8500 (leave a message with the receptionist if Tina is out; be sure to leave a contact number where you can be reached and the best times to call that number). ANYTHING ELSE: If you do sign up to assist, please e-mail to Melody Actouka, Co-Coordinator, Service Learning Program melodya@nmcnet.edu your name and schedule, so that she can include you in our service database for recognition! Thank You!

Have a Safe and Wonderful Week!